Never before has the need for violence prevention
programming been more urgent. We applaud your concern and your
willingness
to take
up the challenge. We have created the curriculum-linked CHOICES
for Positive Youth Relationships program
at the request of educators and with their input, so that the program
is relevant, effective and very user-friendly.

First step is to take
some time to review the program and
discuss with your fellow educators the best implementation
model for your school. You may choose a cross-curricular whole-school
approach or a subject-based program. Decide who will deliver the
program – teachers, school-based professionals, community partners,
peer facilitators, or a combination of all. It will be time well
spent if educators develop liaisons with community organizations
who will provide a valuable resource for facilitator training, program
delivery and follow-up support.

Most likely during this program,
one or more young person will disclose that s/he has experienced
or perpetrated an act of
violence or has seen others in his/her family or peer group
abused. Facilitators
first need to understand their obligations under the law
and their safe school policy. Generally speaking, it is wise for
facilitators to discourage extensive disclosure in front
of
the large group but to try to direct disclosing participants
to the
professionals available to assist them. However, in doing
so, it is essential that disclosing participants not feel shamed
or rejected by the referral. A referral is intended to support,
not silence, a disclosing participant.

Listen attentively
without blaming and validate the feelings being expressed. Express
your sorrow that the violence has
occurred and
assure the discloser that s/he is not alone. Attempt to refer
to an available professional and assure the discloser of
your continued
support. Remember that there are very complicated dynamics
involved in an abusive relationship and changing the way
someone thinks
about themselves and their relationship is sometimes slow
and frustrating. Check out our Support
Tips page.

What community resources are available?

Violence prevention programs
are most successful when they model a collaborative and cooperative
approach. It is critical
that
we give our youth the message that there is a whole community
who
cares about them and can offer information and support
to them. Community organizations provide a valuable resource for
facilitator
training, program delivery and follow-up support. Consider
community partners such as social workers, psychologists,
victim services,
public health nurses, police officers, shelter workers,
clergy,
health care professionals, cross-cultural service providers
and parents. Use their experience and expertise as guest
speakers,
panel participants or co-presenters. Many professionals
and agencies are already committed to public education and
will welcome the
opportunity to work together to develop a strong effective
program. At the very least, we strongly encourage you
to invite to the
classroom a police officer, who can speak to the legal
aspects of abuse,
and counsellors, who have the expertise to handle disclosures
and give effective follow-up support.

Is there training
available?

The CHOICES for Positive Youth
Relationships program was designed so educators have a relevant and effective
resource
that does
not necessitate additional training. The Facilitator
Guide includes 6 step-by-step lessons that link to existing
provincial curriculum
expectations, facilitator background notes, alternative
or optional activities, assessment suggestions and
a comprehensive
list of
resources. In addition, we suggest how to build a community
support network, create a comfortable learning environment
and handle
disclosures
effectively.

However the Speers Society is available
for training workshops, speaking engagements, or can provide
a training
CD Rom for
in-service.